2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Brentwood, CA vs Santa Cruz, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Cruz older or younger than people in Brentwood?
- The Median Age in Santa Cruz is 11.5 years younger than in Brentwood.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Cruz or Brentwood?
- Santa Cruz housing costs are 58.6% more expensive than Brentwood housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Cruz or Brentwood?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Cruz is 20.5 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Brentwood.

Things to do in Brentwood?
Brentwood, California is a vibrant city located in the heart of Contra Costa County. This welcoming community offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the Shadow Lakes Golf Course or one of many popular restaurants. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available at Ospero Park, Byrnes Park and Big Break Regional Shoreline. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Brentwood their home.

Things to do in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz, California is an incredible city located in the heart of the Monterey Bay area. This beautiful city offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the stunning natural beaches or the charming downtown area. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available at Santa Cruz Boardwalk and Beach, Wilder Ranch State Park, and Seymour Marine Discovery Center. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Santa Cruz their home.

 Brentwood, CASanta Cruz, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock62,714329,725,481
 Median Income$125,152  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock2938.4
 Avg. Home Price$801,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time43.93  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Brentwood    6 Reviews

Brentwood, 50 miles east of San Francisco, has a great climate. We are in a valley, east of Mount Diablo. We get a few weeks of pretty hot days - 100+, but the rest of  More

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Over 15 years ago

I love living in Brentwood. Our city planners and workers have done an excellent job in creating a beautiful city filled with trees, parks, well- planned communities,  More

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We moved to a new “Active Adults” (over 55) housing development in Brentwood about 6 years ago. The location is great if you like to fish, go pleasure-boating, or water  More

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Reviews for Santa Cruz    44 Reviews

I lived in the Santa Cruz area for 20 years. UCSC alum. Our kids were born there. There are wonderful things about Santa Cruz, but also many serious problems that we  More

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Over 5 years ago

I have been here for four generations! My kids are the fifth. I guess that should tell you how wonderful it is here, at least for us. It's so cool to have world class  More

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I was born over the hill in San Jose area, and as a kid I loved coming over to the boardwalk. Santa Cruz has always been and always will be a town of diversity,  More

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